Tender open to bring water and jobs to Broken Hill

Broken Hill is one step closer to a secure water future, with short-listed providers today invited to bid for the historic project.

NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian said the 270 kilometre Murray River to Broken Hill pipeline is a game-changer for business owners, tourism operators, and the 19,000-strong community of Broken Hill.

“Water is vital for the future of this heritage-listed town and its vibrant community, and through this flagship $500 million investment the NSW Government is securing a bright future for our far west,” Ms Berejiklian said.

“I am delighted to announce four providers are now invited to prepare and submit bids to build, own, operate and maintain a pipeline on behalf of the state’s bulk water provider, Water NSW.”

The four shortlisted Australian based consortia are Downer Spiecapag Joint Venture, John Holland Joint Venture, McConnell Dowell, and UGL/Veolia.

NSW Deputy Premier and Leader of the NSW Nationals, John Barilaro, said local companies of all sizes, including our steel producers, will have the opportunity to compete on a level playing field for work on this pipeline.

“This investment must stand the test of time and should be built to the best and toughest standards,” Mr Barilaro said.

“With 270 kilometres needed to build the pipeline, we want to ensure that Australian jobs are guaranteed by using local businesses, including our outstanding Australian manufacturers, and the domestic supply chain.

“The Murray River to Broken Hill pipeline is not just about strengthening our regional economies, it is about ensuring that people and families who choose to live in regional NSW have the same access to the services and vital infrastructure as those that live in the city.

“The people of Broken Hill will be able to turn on their taps and water the garden, wash the dishes and have clean drinking water, which is often taken for granted by those living in metropolitan areas.”

NSW Minister for Regional Water, Niall Blair, said the Murray River to Broken Hill pipeline is a big part of the NSW Government’s broader regional water security agenda.

“In 2015, we committed to addressing Broken Hill’s water challenges, both short-term and for future generations, but we are also delivering unprecedented water infrastructure investment for all of NSW.

“From Wilcannia to Bourke, and Tamworth to the Upper Hunter and Oberon, this Government is delivering drought back-up systems, new drinking water treatment plants, dams and regional pipeline linkages for the future of NSW regions.”

Member for Barwon, Kevin Humphries, said Water NSW is working closely with Wentworth and Broken Hill Councils, local Aboriginal representatives and the broader community through the planning and delivery stages of the project.

“The Murray River to Broken Hill pipeline is a key piece of infrastructure for these communities and is on track to be delivering water to Broken Hill residents and businesses by late 2018.”